Ste was caughtpletely off guard-she still had no idea what was happening.


    It was Margaret who had called and asked her toe over, and now Ste was trying to make sense of it all. Maybe Mr. Miller and Remington had something to discuss, and Margaret, catching wind of it, had secretly tipped her off so she could sneak in a meeting with Remington.


    But as soon as Margaret approached Remington, she sensed something was off about him. The look he gave her seemed almost mocking, as if he found the whole situation amusing.


    "Remington?" Ste''s voice wavered, uncertain.


    Remington''s gaze cooled as he turned away, making it clear he couldn''t be bothered to acknowledge Ste, let alone exin anything.


    An uneasy feeling twisted in Ste''s chest, and just then, another car pulled up outside.


    When she saw Cassius step out, her heart skipped a beat. She hadn''t forgotten what happenedst time at the private club-how she and Margaret, along with Shirley Dashiell, had been trapped in that suite, unable to leave after the scandal about Ynda exploded online.


    Now, standing here in front of the West family''s house, she felt an uncanny sense of déjà vu.


    Could it really be happening again?


    Her nails dug into her palm as anxiety crept in.


    Remington nced at Cassius, then strode toward the West family estate without a word.


    As Cassius walked past, he shot Ste a sidelong look. "Ste, you and Ms. Miller seem to be getting awfully close these days, huh?"


    Cassius had always gotten along well with Quentin West, and after Quentin''s untimely death, when Ste returned to the family, Cassius had treated her with nothing but courtesy. She hadn''t expected his tone to turn so sharp and sarcastic today.


    Before Ste could process the jab, Cassius sped up to catch up with Remington. Ste, busy weighing her options, followed a few steps behind.


    They hadn''t even reached the grand foyer when Mr. Miller hurried out to greet them, his face split in a beaming smile.


    He''d been in a meeting at Glory Media when Cedric called, telling him to rush home because Remington wasing by. Cedric hadn''t given a reason, just hung up, but Miller didn''t dare dy. He immediately called off the meeting and raced back.


    Now, seeing not only Remington but also Cassius at his door, Mr. Miller''s mind started racing. Could it be that Cassius had finally agreed to the


    marrage alliance between the


    families and had even brought Remington along as a witness?


    The thought made Mr. Miller''s smile even wider.


    "Mr. Dashiell, it''s an honor to have you visit the Miller home," he said, pping Cassius warmly on the shoulder Cassius, why didn''t let your uncle know you wereing? I would have made proper arrangements for your visit."


    Cassius didn''t dodge the gesture—after all, the Sterlings and the Millers had been close for years, and refusing would be rude. Even so, he only nodded coolly and didn''t bother with a reply.


    Mr. Miller''s smile faltered as he nced at Ste, who had been a regr guest at their home. Sensing the odd atmosphere, he shot her a questioning look.


    Ste smiled, masking her nerves. "Uncle, we''re just the younger generation— there''s no need for you toe out and greet us yourself. You''re being far too polite."


    Her breezy manner reassured Mr. Miller, who burst outughing. "Well, this may not be Mr. Dashiell''s first time here, but Ste, in the future, you really ought to—"


    He was about to suggest that she bring Remington over more often, but Ste, seeing where he was headed, cut him off quickly. “Uncle, shall we head inside?" "Of course, of course."


    They all made their way into the living room, where Mrs. Miller weed them in. Only once everyone was seated did Mr. Miller notice that Margaret was nowhere to be seen.


    He frowned, turning to Mrs. Miller. "Where''s Margaret? What''s that girl up to, hiding away at a time like this?"